The Impact of a Stabilization Exercise on Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction The efficacy of a stabilization exercise for the relief of neck pain remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effectiveness of a stabilization exercise on neck pain. Methods We searched Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO Information Services, and the Cochrane Library databases through May 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of a stabilization exercise on neck pain. This meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model. Results Six RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group of patients with neck pain, a stabilization exercise can significantly reduce pain scores at 4 to 6 weeks (mean difference [MD]: −2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], −4.46 to −0.35; p = 0.02), Neck Disability Index [NDI] at 10 to 12 weeks (MD:− 6.75; 95% CI, −11.71 to −1.79; p = 0.008), and depression scale at 4 to 6 weeks (MD: −4.65; 95% CI, −7.00 to −2.31; p = 0.02), but it has no obvious impact on pain scores at 10 to 12 weeks (MD: −1.07; 95% CI, −3.42 to 1.28; p = 0.37) or at 6 months (MD: −1.02; 95% CI, −3.43 to 1.39; p = 0.41). Conclusions A stabilization exercise can provide some benefits to control neck pain.

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Effects of reflexology on premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BioPsychoSocial Medicine ◽

10.1186/s13030-019-0165-0 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marzieh Hasanpour ◽

Mohammad Mehdi Mohammadi ◽

Habib Shareinia

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Premenstrual Syndrome ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Care Program ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a set of somatic and psychological symptoms that occur cyclically in the luteal phase of a menstrual cycle. There is no report of final result of reflexology on PMS. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of reflexology on PMS through a systematic review and meta-analysis study. Method The present study was a systematic review and meta-analysis that was conducted by searching in 8 electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ProQuest, Scopus, Google Scholar, and SID until December 28, 2018. In this regard, interventional studies, which examined the impact of reflexology on women with premenstrual syndrome, were included. These studies were published during 1993 to 2018. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Meta-analysis was performed by the help of CMA 2 software. Results Nine out of 407 studies finally remained after screening, and quantitative and quantitative analyses were performed on them. The total number of research samples was 475. The mean treatment time with reflexology was 40.55 min per session that was performed in 6 to 10 sessions of treatment in 66.67% of studies. According to the meta-analysis and based on the random effects model, the reflexology could decrease the severity of PMS in the intervention group compared to the control group (SMD = − 2.717, 95% CI: − 3.722 to − 1.712). Meta-regression results indicated that the duration of intervention sessions (β = − 0.1124, 95% CI − 0.142 to − 0.084, p < 0.001) had a significant impact on the severity of PMS. Reflexology could also significantly affect somatic (SMD = − 1.142, 95% CI: − 1.481 to − 0.803) and psychological (SMD = − 1.380, 95% CI: − 2.082 to − 0.677) symptoms arising from PMS. Conclusion In general, results of the present study indicated that the reflexology could relieve PMS symptoms, so that overall scores, somatic and psychological symptoms of PMS decreased by applying the reflexology intervention. Furthermore, an increase in the length of reflexology time in each session increased its efficiency. Reflexology can be used as an effective intervention in a patient care program by nurses and its efficiency can be enhanced by increasing intervention time in each reflexology treatment session.

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Intradiskal Injection of Methylene Blue for Discogenic Back Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part A Central European Neurosurgery ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1721015 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 82 (02) ◽

pp. 161-165

Author(s):

Ming Deng ◽

Hui Huang ◽

Yong-gang Ma ◽

Yan Zhou ◽

Qing Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Methylene Blue ◽

Back Pain ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Pain Scores ◽

The Impact

Abstract Introduction Intradiskal injection of methylene blue has some potential in alleviating discogenic back pain. This meta-analysis aims to explore the impact of intradiskal injection of methylene blue for discogenic back pain. Methods Several databases such as PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases have been searched through November 2019, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of intradiskal injection of methylene blue for discogenic back pain are included. Results Three RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for discogenic back pain, intradiskal injection of methylene blue remarkably decreased pain scores at 3 months (mean difference [MD] = –0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] = –0.96 to –0.46; p < 0.00001) and 6 months (MD = –13.92; 95% CI = –22.31 to –5.54; p = 001) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at 4 to 6 weeks (MD = –10.39; 95% CI = –16.95 to –3.83; p = 0.002) and 3 months (MD = –3.66; 95% CI = –4.85 to –2.48; p < 0.00001), but demonstrated no obvious effect on ODI at 6 months (MD = –11.76; 95% CI = –33.33 to 9.80; p = 0.28). Conclusions Intradiskal injection of methylene blue can substantially decrease pain scores and improve function for discogenic back pain.

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Efficacy of Stabilization Exercise for Neck Pain: A Narrative Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies

Physikalische Medizin Rehabilitationsmedizin Kurortmedizin ◽

10.1055/a-0991-7915 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (01) ◽

pp. 26-32

Author(s):

Cheng Zang ◽

Yanyan Zhou ◽

Yonghui Liu ◽

Binbin Wu

Keyword(s):

Neck Pain ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Neck Disability Index ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Stabilization Exercise ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Control Intervention ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Neck Disability

Abstract Introduction Stabilization exercise may be an important approach to alleviate neck pain. However, its use has not been well established. We conduct a narrative review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of stabilization exercise to control neck pain. Methods PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials are searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the influence of stabilization exercise on neck pain are included. Two investigators independently have searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. Meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. Results Five RCTs involving 217 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Compared with control intervention for neck pain, stabilization exercises has no notable impact on pain intensity (Std. MD=−0.55; 95% CI=−1.24 to 0.14; P=0.12), neck disability index (Std. MD=−0.44; 95% CI=−1.01 to 0.13; P=0.13), SF-36 physical health (Std. MD=−0.18; 95% CI=−0.61 to 0.26; P=0.43), SF-36 mental health (Std. MD=−0.03; 95% CI=−0.47 to 0.41; P=0.89), but can remarkably decrease depression scale (Std. MD=−1.05; 95% CI=−1.59 to −0.50; P=0.0002). Conclusions Stabilization exercises shows similar impact on pain intensity, neck disability index, SF-36 physical health and SF-36 mental health, but significant reduced depression scale compared with control intervention in patients with neck pain.

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The Effectiveness of Telehealth Interventions on Women with Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.32544 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Liuhong Zhao ◽

Jingfen Chen ◽

Yan Liao ◽

Liuying Lan ◽

Ni Deng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Postpartum Depression ◽

Large Scale ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group

BACKGROUND Background: Postpartum depression is a highly prevalent mental health problem with potential for serious adverse consequences. Telehealth interventions can increase the accessibility to treatments for postpartum depression and their effectiveness has been assessed by clinical trials. However, no comprehensive synthesis of findings by systematic review has been conducted. OBJECTIVE Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth interventions on women with postpartum depression in terms of reducing depressive symptoms, anxiety and loneliness, and improving social support. METHODS Methods: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CNKI, and Wan Fang database were electronically searched to identify studies with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of telehealth interventions on women with postpartum depression from inception to February 28, 2021. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two researchers independently. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS Results: A total of 1,958 women with postpartum depression from nine RCTs were included. The meta-analysis showed that the scores of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) [MD=-2.99, 95%CI (-4.52, -1.46), P<.001] and anxiety [SMD=-0.39, 95%CI (-0.67, -0.12), P=.005] were significantly lower in the telehealth group compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed for social support and loneliness. Significant subgroup differences were found for depressive symptoms according to the severity of postpartum depression, telehealth technology used, specific therapy, and follow up time periods (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Conclusions: Telehealth interventions are effective in reducing depression and anxiety in women with postpartum depression. However, large scale RCTs targeting specific therapies in women are needed to help tailor treatment strategies to individuals. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO CRD42021258541; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=258541

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Nerve Block on Pain After Mammaplasty: A Meta-Analysis of randomized controlled studies

Plastic Surgery ◽

10.1177/2292550320969648 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 229255032096964

Author(s):

Xiaoxia Li ◽

Ying Li

Keyword(s):

Pain Intensity ◽

Nerve Block ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Pain Scores ◽

Randomized Controlled Studies ◽

The Impact

Background: Nerve block showed some potential in alleviating pain after mammaplasty. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the efficacy of nerve block for pain control after mammaplasty. Methods: The databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched for collecting the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the impact of nerve block on pain intensity after mammaplasty. Results: This meta-analysis included 4 RCTs. Compared with control group after mammaplasty, nerve block resulted in remarkably reduced pain scores at 1 hour (mean difference [MD] = −1.84; 95% CI = −2.49 to −1.20; P < .00001), 3 hours (MD = −1.04; 95% CI = −1.47 to −0.62; P < .00001), 6 hours (MD = −0.96; 95% CI = −1.48 to −0.43; P = .0004), and analgesic consumption (standard mean difference = −1.27; 95% CI = −1.73 to −0.82; P < .00001), but showed no significant impact on pain scores within 24 hours (MD = −0.31; 95% CI = −1.05 to 0.43; P = .41). Conclusions: Nerve block was associated with substantially reduced pain intensity after mammaplasty.

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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on haemorrhagic stroke admissions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050559 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. e050559

Author(s):

Yijie You ◽

Yunlian Niu ◽

Fengbing Sun ◽

Jian Zhang ◽

Sheng Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Subarachnoid Haemorrhage ◽

Intracerebral Haemorrhage ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Control Period ◽

Haemorrhagic Stroke ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

The Difference ◽

The Impact

Background and purposeCOVID-19 pandemic, a global health crisis, is disrupting the present medical environment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stroke hospitalisations, especially haemorrhagic stroke.MethodsThe EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, Medline, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar electronic databases were searched for all relevant studies. Two researchers independently screened the studies, extracted data and assessed the quality of the included studies. Odds ratio (OR), total events, OR and 95% CI were considered as the effect size. A fixed-effects model was used to pool the study-specific estimate. The present study was performed by using Review Manager (V.5.3.0) software. We assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.ResultsA total of 17 studies with 14 445 cases were included. Overall, the number of stroke admissions is lower in the pandemic period versus the control period (6252 vs 8193). The difference of haemorrhagic stroke is significant, with 1233 of 6252 cases in the pandemic group and 1621 of 8193 cases in the control group. Intracerebral haemorrhage is present in 461 of 1948 cases in the pandemic group and 618 of 2734 cases in the control group. As for subarachnoid haemorrhage, the difference between the two groups is significant, with 70 of 985 cases in the pandemic group and 202 of 1493 cases in the control group.ConclusionsThe number of stroke admissions is lower in the pandemic period compared with the control period. There is a higher rate of haemorrhagic stroke in the pandemic period. Subgroup analysis identifies a significant increase in the occurrence of intracerebral haemorrhage in the pandemic period. Due to limited data and the impact of a single article, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on subarachnoid haemorrhage is unclear.

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EXPRESS: Stroke risk following traumatic brain injury: systematic review and meta-analysis

International Journal of Stroke ◽

10.1177/17474930211004277 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 174749302110042

Author(s):

Grace Mary Turner ◽

Christel McMullan ◽

Olalekan Lee Aiyegbusi ◽

Danai Bem ◽

Tom Marshall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Vitamin K Antagonists ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Large Sample Size ◽

Hazard Ratios ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Cochrane Library

Aims To investigate the association between TBI and stroke risk. Summary of review We undertook a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library from inception to 4th December 2020. We used random-effects meta-analysis to pool hazard ratios (HR) for studies which reported stroke risk post-TBI compared to controls. Searches identified 10,501 records; 58 full texts were assessed for eligibility and 18 met the inclusion criteria. The review included a large sample size of 2,606,379 participants from four countries. Six studies included a non-TBI control group, all found TBI patients had significantly increased risk of stroke compared to controls (pooled HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.46-2.37). Findings suggest stroke risk may be highest in the first four months post-TBI, but remains significant up to five years post-TBI. TBI appears to be associated with increased stroke risk regardless of severity or subtype of TBI. There was some evidence to suggest an association between reduced stroke risk post-TBI and Vitamin K antagonists and statins, but increased stroke risk with certain classes of antidepressants. Conclusion TBI is an independent risk factor for stroke, regardless of TBI severity or type. Post-TBI review and management of risk factors for stroke may be warranted.

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Impact of interstitial lung disease on mortality in ANCA-associated vasculitis: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽

10.1177/1479973121994562 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 ◽

pp. 147997312199456

Author(s):

Peining Zhou ◽

Jing Ma ◽

Guangfa Wang

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Interstitial Lung Disease ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Lung Disease ◽

Mortality Risk ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Anca Associated Vasculitis ◽

Retrospective Cohort Studies

Several retrospectivee described the association of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). However, the relationship between the ILD and mortality in AAV patients have not been established so far. This study aims to estimate the relevance of AAV-associated-ILD (AAV-ILD) and mortality risk by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.A comprehensive systematic review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). PubMed, Embase.com and the Cochrane Library (Wiley) were searched for original observational studies. Summary estimates were derived with a random-effects model and reported as risk ratio (RR), tested for publication bias and heterogeneity. Ten retrospective cohort studies were included, comprising 526 AAV-ILD patients enrolled from 1974 to 2018. Meta-analysis yielded a pooled RR of 2.90 (95% confidence interval 1.77–4.74) for death among those with AAV-ILD compared to control group. UIP pattern was associated with an even poorer prognosis in comparison to non-UIP pattern (RR 4.36, 95% confidence interval 1.14–16.78). Sensitivity analysis suggested that the meta-RR result was not skewed by a single dominant study. ILD might be associated with a higher mortality risk in AAV patients.

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Impact of Treatment for Nasal Cavity Disorders on Sleep Quality: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/01945998211029527 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 019459982110295

Author(s):

Jacob Fried ◽

Erick Yuen ◽

Kathy Zhang ◽

Andraia Li ◽

Nicholas R. Rowan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Nasal Obstruction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Subjective Sleep Quality ◽

Subjective Sleep ◽

The Impact

Objective To determine the impact of treatment for patients with nasal obstruction secondary to allergic rhinitis (AR) and nasal septal deviation (NSD) on sleep quality. Data Sources Primary studies were identified though PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Review Methods A systematic review was performed by querying databases for articles published through August 2020. Studies were included that reported on objective sleep parameters (apnea-hypopnea index) and sinonasal and sleep-specific patient-reported outcome measures: Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (EpSS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results The database search yielded 1414 unique articles, of which 28 AR and 7 NSD studies were utilized for meta-analysis. A total of 9037 patients (8515 with AR, 522 with NSD) were identified with a mean age of 35.0 years (35.3 for AR, 34.0 for NSD). Treatment for AR and NSD significantly improved subjective sleep quality. For AR, the EpSS mean difference was −1.5 (95% CI, –2.4 to –0.5; P = .002) and for the PSQI, –1.7 (95% CI, –2.1 to –1.2; P < .00001). For NSD, the EpSS mean difference was −3.2 (95% CI, –4.2 to –2.2; P < .00001) and for the PSQI, –3.4 (95% CI, –6.1 to –0.6; P = .02). Conclusion Subjective sleep quality significantly improved following treatment for AR and NSD. There were insufficient data to demonstrate that objective metrics of sleep quality similarly improved.

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Efficacy of hydrofibre dressing following total joint arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Hip International ◽

10.1177/11207000211012669 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112070002110126

Author(s):

Raman Mundi ◽

Harman Chaudhry ◽

Seper Ekhtiari ◽

Prabjit Ajrawat ◽

Daniel M Tushinski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Total Joint Arthroplasty ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Joint Infection ◽

The United States ◽

Joint Arthroplasty ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Observable Effect ◽

The Impact

Introduction: In the United States, over 1,000,000 total joint arthroplasty (TJA) surgeries are performed annually and has been forecasted that this number will exceed 4,000,000 by the year 2030. Many different types of dressing exist for use in TJA surgery, and it is unclear if any of the newer, hydrofibre dressings are superior to traditional dressings at reducing rates of infections or improving wound healing. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of hydrofiber dressings on reducing complications. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using the online databases MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing hydrofibre dressings to a standard dressing were included. Summary measures are reported as odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our primary outcome was prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Secondary outcomes included blisters, dressing changes and wound irritation. Results: 5 RCTs were included. Hydrofibre dressing had no observable effect on PJI or wound irritation (OR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.14–1.98; p = 0.35). Hydrofibre dressings reduced the rate of blisters (OR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14–0.90; p = 0.03) and number of dressing changes (MD -1.89; 95% CI, -2.68 to -1.11). Conclusions: In conclusion, evidence suggests hydrofibre dressings have no observable effect on PJI and wound irritation. Evidence for reduction in blisters and number of dressings is modest given wide CIs and biased trial methodologies. Use of hydrofibre dressings should be considered inconclusive for mitigating major complications in light of current best evidence.

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